Outgoing AU Chairperson applauds Ethiopia’s efforts to resolve conflicts in Africa

Addis Ababa, July 16 (WIC) - The outgoing Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Jean Ping, has commended Ethiopia’s role to ensure peace and reconciliation in Somalia and Sudan.

The Chairperson made the comment at the opening of the 19th Ordinary Session of the African Union at the New AU Conference Center in Addis Ababa yesterday, under the theme: “Boosting Intra-African Trade”. 

The opening session was graced by the presence of public figures including Jan Eliasson, Deputy UN Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr. Nabil Al-Arabi, Secretary General of the Arab League, and Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait.

Ethiopia, in partnership with other troops contributing countries has played a key role in the victory achieved over al-shabaab and reinstating peace in Somalia, he said.

Ping also highly praised the Ethiopian government for the role it has been playing in the peace process in Sudan by deploying peacekeeper troops.

The Chairperson further stressed the need for coordinated efforts to bring about peace and security to expedite the economic growth of the African continent.

He said all concerned bodies need to intervene to end the crises in Mali and Guinea Bissau, Sudan and South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria.

Ping finally urged Africa countries to increase trade with the rest of the world to facilitate economic development, which would help eradicate poverty and ensure peace in the continent.


The African Union in its yesterday session has elected South African Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as its new leader, it was noted.